On Nov. 12, 2011, Produce World, located 125 N. Lewis Rd. in Royersford had its grand opening, and ever since then, the goal has been simple: Saving the local residents' money on their fresh produce.

Owner Katie Fair has been selling produce since she was 11 years old. The store operates through the hard work of about five people total, including her mother, Sharon Rohlfing, and her daughter Kierstin. The family is from Parker Ford and Limerick.

"The important thing is we're local also," Rohlfing said. "Just like the people in this area that have to go to Phoenixville or Collegeville for reduced fresh produce, we did too. So, this location we knew would be good because it's good for us coming from this area."

Fair said so far, so good pertaining to every day operations.

"[We've had] wonderful customers, and everything's picking up," said Fair. "[We're] getting the word out. Everyone's happy. They like the fresh quality of the produce and saving money."

Fair said customers save an average of 50 percent by shopping at her store, sometimes even more. Apples are usually $5 a bag at a grocery store, but she sells them for $3. The shop also gets organic salads - they're usually $6 and Produce World sells them for $1. One word of warning; however, organic products are not always available for ordering, so sometimes, Fair said, it's a hit or miss.

"Some people think because we have such low prices, that we're going to sell stuff that's all rotten," said Rohlfing. "But, this isn't. It's all fresh, quality. We don't sell anything that's bad. If something's on the brink, we'll give it back to them and ask them to pick another one out. And if we do have bad stuff in bulk, we sell them for people who dehydrate fruit, or use apples for baking, because it doesn't matter to those people."

Rohlfing also pointed out that if people want a particular item, they can ask for it and they can most likely get it. Shoppers who want special orders can give a price they're willing to pay for certain items if they want a case and Fair will work with them. They also help local restaurants and do wholesale.

Shoppers can pay with cash and check only. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In the spring and summer, Fair plans on having all of the best fresh, homegrown produce, including peaches, corn and melons from Lancaster and New Jersey, as well as other famous fruit/veggie-producing towns/states.

Recently, Produce World featured two coupons in Hometown Magazine. If you spend $10, you can get $2 off your final bill, and if you spend $25, you can get $5 off your final bill. That coupon will continue to appear in the magazine and Fair said to keep an eye out on Clipper Magazine in the near future as well.

Overall, Fair hopes to stay in the area and possibly own her own space to sell produce to the community.

"I want to be here forever," she said. "In five years, I want to be here and be very busy - like 'Whew, I can retire' - kind of business."